The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Adejare Adeboye, has praised Muhammad Ali as an exceptional boxer in the history of boxing, describing his footwork as second to none.
Adeboye, who holds deep respect for Muhammad Ali, considers the legendary boxer his mentor, particularly during his own days as a boxer before he transitioned to the work of God.
Speaking about the spiritual significance of shields and favor as weapons for Christians during his sermon at the Sunday service, Adeboye referenced Ephesians 6:16 to encourage believers not to lose their shield in spiritual battles to avoid defeat.
He emphasized that just as a soldier may lose all his weapons in battle but survive with his shield, Christians should hold onto their shield of faith.
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Adeboye noted that Muhammad Ali’s strategy in the boxing ring, where he famously “floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee,” exemplified a unique approach that defied conventional wisdom.
Ali’s unorthodox style of leaving his head open for punching while relying on his footwork as a shield inspired Adeboye’s analogy of spiritual warfare.
He concluded that Ali is an exceptional one, so Christians should always guard up with their shield so as not to be defeated by their enemies.
However, Adeboye cautioned athletes, especially those involved in sports, to avoid sin, particularly in relationships with the opposite sex, if they aim to excel.
He recounted a personal anecdote from his university days in the mid-1960s, where his football team’s potential victory was derailed due to a teammate’s indulgence in sin.
Despite being warned by their coach to avoid distractions, Adeboye’s teammate succumbed to temptation when his girlfriend visited before a crucial match at the University of Ibadan involving all Nigerian University.
The subsequent loss highlighted the detrimental effects of sin on favor and performance.
The teammate’s actions led to disciplinary consequences, affecting his academic progress with almost a session suspension.
Adeboye concluded by advising Christians seeking favor in their endeavors to prioritize righteousness and maintain a close relationship with God, as sin can undermine blessings and opportunities.
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